choosing classes at DiJ

Jim Kaznosky · June 2015

All of this advice is great and I wish I had it before I went the first time. I stressed it, as well. By the middle of the week, I figured out that there will be good teachers and there will be ones that aren't as good. Go to a level two rhythm level and lead level and adjust accordingly. Then go to see players you want. If you're in a class that you have no intention on participating in and will just be listening in, let the players who will participate sit closer to instructor. In any case, you will get better from being there and around nothing but this music for five days.

Buco · July 2015

Hey Charles, so how was it?

Charles Meadows · July 2015

Great. The only down size was missing the wife and kids.

But it was just what I needed. I know what I need to do to get to where I would like to be. Now getting there is the thing...

Seems like there were different groups of people there. A lot of the guys in level 2 and 3 classes were seasoned jazz players, but many of them seemed most interested in just overall improvement in their playing and musicality, and perhaps less concerned about becoming really proficient in the GJ style.
And then there were the hard core GJ guys. But they were already a lot more proficient than me!

All in all though it was a feast of knowledge and experience. Just what I had hoped for. I don't think I'll plan to go back though until my repertoire and improve abilities have improved considerably.

I should add that Denis Chang's classes were fabulous, and alone worth the price of the trip. After a day with him I have a good knowledge of what I'm shooting for and how to work at getting there.